healthcare is Europe's deepest and most officially supported shortage — the one sector where governments themselves run international recruitment programmes. Registered nurses need diploma recognition plus language at B2; care assistants enter with a short course and B1, which makes care work the fastest healthcare door for most applicants.
Germany, Austria, the Netherlands and Ireland lead the hiring; employers and programmes commonly fund the language course and relocation. Salaries: care assistants from roughly €2,300 gross monthly in Germany, registered nurses €38,000–48,000+ annually. Listings link to official employer applications only.
CPL Healthcare
CPL Healthcare recruits internationally qualified nurses for Irish and UK hospitals. Full visa support, NMBI registration assistance, and relocation packages included.
IMS Recruitment
IMS Recruitment places qualified nurses and healthcare workers in German hospitals and care homes. Language support, recognition of qualifications and relocation bonus offered.
Global Working
Global Working places internationally trained nurses in Germany and Spain. Full recognition of qualifications support, German language courses and relocation packages included.
Fresenius
Fresenius is a global healthcare group active in dialysis, hospitals and pharmaceutical services. They actively recruit internationally trained nurses for their German and EU clinics.
Korian
Korian is Europe's largest care home operator with 800+ facilities. They actively recruit nurses, care assistants and healthcare professionals across France, Germany and the EU.
Orpea
Orpea is a leading European care home operator with facilities across France, Germany, Belgium and Spain. Recruiting nurses, care assistants and physiotherapists internationally.
DomusVi
DomusVi is one of Spain's largest care home groups with facilities across Spain and France. Actively recruiting nurses, care assistants and physiotherapists internationally.
Fresenius Kabi
Fresenius Kabi is a global healthcare company specialising in infusion and clinical nutrition. They hire nurses, pharmacists and healthcare specialists at their Bad Homburg HQ and EU sites.
Vitalis
Vitalis is a German care home operator actively recruiting nurses and care assistants internationally. Full German language support, recognition of qualifications and relocation assistance.
Sanitas
Sanitas is one of Spain's leading healthcare groups with hospitals, clinics and care homes. Hiring nurses, doctors and allied health professionals internationally with full registration support.
Colisée
Colisée is a leading French care home group with 380+ facilities across Europe. Recruiting nurses, care workers and activity coordinators internationally with full relocation support.
Helios Health
Helios is Germany's largest private hospital group with 80+ hospitals and Spain operations. They actively recruit internationally trained doctors, nurses and specialists with full licensing support.
Seniorenresidenz
Seniorenresidenz operates care homes across Germany, actively recruiting internationally trained nurses and care assistants. Language courses, qualification recognition and relocation support offered.
Sanacare
Sanacare operates medical centres and group practices across Switzerland. Hiring doctors, nurses and healthcare assistants for outpatient facilities in Swiss cities.
Asklepios
Asklepios is one of Germany's largest private hospital groups with 170+ facilities. Actively recruiting internationally trained nurses, doctors and specialists with full support for German licence recognition.
Vitalis Care
Vitalis Care is a Dutch care organisation providing nursing and home care services. Hiring internationally trained nurses and care workers with Dutch language support and integration assistance.
Korian Italy
Korian Italy is one of Italy's leading care home operators. Actively recruiting nurses, geriatric care specialists and healthcare assistants internationally for Italian facilities.
Medi-Kur
Medi-Kur operates rehabilitation and nursing care facilities in Germany. Hiring physiotherapists, nurses and care staff with international experience and relocation support.
Klinikum
Klinikum is a network of German public hospitals recruiting internationally trained nurses and doctors. Full support for qualification recognition, German language courses and relocation.
Casa Reha
Casa Reha is one of Germany's largest care home operators with 120+ facilities. Actively hiring internationally trained nurses and care assistants with language and relocation support.
AWO
AWO (Arbeiterwohlfahrt) is one of Germany's largest welfare organisations. They recruit nurses, care workers and social professionals for care homes and outpatient services across Germany.
QuironSalud
QuironSalud is Spain's largest private hospital group with 50+ hospitals. Hiring internationally trained nurses, doctors and specialist healthcare staff with full registration support.
Sanitas Hospitals
Sanitas runs hospitals, dental clinics and care homes across Spain. Hiring nurses, physiotherapists and healthcare assistants for their expanding Spanish healthcare network.
Viamed
Viamed Salud is a growing Spanish private hospital and clinic group. Actively recruiting nurses, allied health professionals and medical specialists for their expanding hospital network.
Yes — it is the most actively recruited shortage on the continent. The two gates are qualification recognition (for registered roles) and language: B2 for nurses in Germany/Austria/Netherlands, B1 typically for care assistants; Ireland recruits in English.
Care assistance: a short certified course plus B1 language opens German and Austrian elderly-care hiring, and many workers complete nursing recognition later while employed — the assistant-first route is the most common real-world path.
Care assistants roughly €2,300–2,800 gross monthly in Germany/Austria; registered nurses €38,000–48,000+ per year in Germany, comparable or higher in the Netherlands and Ireland, plus shift allowances.
Frequently the employer or an official programme — hospital groups and government schemes fund B1/B2 courses, recognition fees and relocation. Treat funded training as part of the offer when comparing.